PhD STUDENT position in NCN SONATA BIS

Announcement on the PhD STUDENT position in NCN SONATA BIS  (2022/46/E/ST4/00392)
„Towards understanding of polymorphism and crystallization pathways of organic molecular crystals”

PI: dr hab. Marta Dudek, prof. CBMM

Position: PhD student

Project description: The planned project aims at the deepening of our understanding of crystallization processes. One of its elements is a search for monomorphic organic molecules, i.e. those which form only one stable crystal structure. The planned studies involve mainly crystal structure prediction calculations (CSP), but will also require conducting crystallization experiments in a lab. By combining theoretical predictions with experiments we aim at evaluating a famous claim that the number of polymorphic forms of a compound depends on the time and effort put into finding them. The obtained results will be used to create a crystallization condition database, linking crystal structure with crystallization conditions and featuring monomorphic molecules. The project has interdisciplinary character, and include elements from computational and supramolecular chemistry, as well as spectroscopy and crystallography.

Requirements:

• MSc degree in chemistry, pharmacy, physics or closely related subjects
• being a BioMedChem doctoral school student (or willingness to recruit in March 2026)
• analytical thinking, creative approach to research tasks
• at least basic experience in quantum-chemical calculations (gained for example during master’s or bachelor’s project)
• willingness to work in a laboratory
• independence in lab work, enthusiasm and willingness to solve difficult research problems
• good skills in literature search, good knowledge on scientific journals most relevant to the field
• very good knowledge of English, both in speech and in writing

will be considered an asset:

• knowledge on how to run powder X-Ray diffraction experiments
• basic programming skills (bash/python)

Tasks in the project:

• Quantum chemical calculations using Gaussian and Spartan software
• CSP calculations (CSPy software)
• DFT calculations for periodic systems (Castep and VASP)
• Conducting crystallization experiments (with assistance from elder colleagues)
• Participation in writing of scientific manuscripts
• A lab-unified electronic laboratory notebook will be required

The conditions of employment:

• NCN stipend for the maximum period of 42 months, expected job start: March 2026
• Place of employment: Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Łódź, Poland; Structural Chemistry Department
• Interesting job in an interdisciplinary, newly established team
• Access to state-of-the-art. equipment: four NMR spectrometers, single-crystal X-Ray diffractometer, powder X-Ray diffractometer
• Training on running NMR experiments, as well as quantum chemical calculations
• Basic training on Linux and python usage, training on CSP calculations

Required documents:

1. Motivation letter;
2. Curriculum Vitae;
3. Documents confirming holding a MSc degree (copy of MSc diploma);
4. A short description of lab experience and scientific achievements to date (for example from BSc/MSc projects), including an indication of one, most significant scientific achievement.

Job offer expires on 10/02/2026 (with a possible extension)

Evaluation process: the sent applications will be evaluated in terms of formal requirements, followed by an assessment of candidate’s experience and qualifications. Only selected candidates will be invited for an interview (preferably in on-line format). On the basis of the ranking list, the candidate with the highest number of points will be recommended for the PhD student position. In the event of the above-mentioned candidate’s resignation, the Committee may recommend another person from the ranking list or repeat the competition. The selected candidate has to be or become a PhD student of BioMedChem Doctoral School in order to receive the NCN stipend.

Application submission via e-mail to: and cc to with required documents attached in PDF format. For further information please contact Prof. Marta Dudek, e-mail:

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